CAN 2027 Qualifiers: Kudus withdraws, Ghana adds nine players ahead of Ivory Coast clash

Ghana has reshuffled its squad just three days before its opening match in the CAN 2027 qualifiers. Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn to continue his recovery with Tottenham, while Carlos Queiroz has added nine players ahead of the trip to Ivory Coast.

The Ghana Football Association officially announced on Monday the inclusion of Jonas Adjetey, Alidu Seidu, Ebenezer Annan, Rockson Yeboah, Rahim Ibrahim, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh, and Felix Afena-Gyan. The GFA cited medical uncertainties regarding several players from the initial squad.

Queiroz explained that the decision regarding Kudus was made after a discussion with the player. The head coach deemed it best to allow him more time to regain full fitness following a long absence and a recent return with Tottenham. Mohammed Fuseini has taken his place in the squad.

Kudus’s withdrawal comes three days after his return to the Ghana squad, seven months after his last appearance with the Black Stars. He had resumed competitive play with Tottenham and was recently nearing a full return to form.

Ghana will face Ivory Coast on Thursday, September 24, in Bouaké for the first match of Group C, before hosting Gambia on September 29 in Accra. The Black Stars will conclude this window with a friendly match against Morocco on October 4.